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At a business event in Doha on May 15, 2025, former President Donald Trump publicly criticized the Apple manufacturing shift India, saying he told CEO Tim Cook, “I don’t want you building in India.”
Trump urged Apple to focus on producing more iPhones in the U.S., referencing the company’s $500 billion U.S. investment pledge from earlier this year.
He also called India “one of the highest-tariff nations” and claimed Apple had agreed to increase its U.S. production—though no concrete details were provided.
Takeaway: Trump wants Apple’s manufacturing promises to translate into actual U.S.-based production.
India’s Expanding Role in Apple’s Supply Chain
Apple has been accelerating its expansion in India. In the fiscal year ending March 2025, the company produced $22 billion worth of iPhones in India, up 60% from the previous year. The production is handled by partners like Foxconn and Tata Group.
This Apple manufacturing shift India is part of a long-term move to reduce reliance on China, where up to 90% of iPhones are currently assembled. Apple now aims for India to produce 25% of its global iPhones in the coming years.
Takeaway: India is Apple’s fastest-growing manufacturing hub as it diversifies away from China.
No Clear Change in Strategy
Despite Trump’s comments, Apple has not confirmed any change in direction. Company executives reportedly told Indian officials they remain committed to expansion in the country.
The Apple manufacturing shift India appears to be on track, with no public updates suggesting otherwise.
Trump claimed Cook told him U.S. production would increase, but there have been no follow-up announcements or new factory developments to support that.
Takeaway: Apple’s plans for India remain intact, regardless of Trump’s pressure.
Trump’s Pressure vs. Apple’s Global Strategy
This moment reflects a broader clash between nationalist economic goals and global business realities. Trump’s message is clear: prioritize American workers and production. But Apple’s silence speaks volumes—it’s operating on global logistics, not political optics.
Final Takeaway: Trump may want Apple to build in the U.S., but economic logic still drives Apple’s India strategy.
